Northern California Motorcycle Ride: One of the Best Routes in America

Northern California Motorcycle Ride: 3 nights, 4 days, 750 miles

Northern California is heaven if you crave twisties, handfuls of throttle, and vistas that make you appreciate the power and the vastness of the planet. I made this ride with five riding buddies that I raced enduros and hare scrambles together a few decades ago. Four were from Georgia and me. There are only two words to describe this ride: world-class.

DAY 1: San Francisco to Mendocino

Starting at the Golden Gate Bridge, we rode north to Tam Junction where the best of Highway 1 starts. Every time I’ve taken riding buddies up the 1 from Tam Junction to Stinson Beach, I have to tell them to be mindful of their sightseeing because twisties and sightseeing can be a dangerous combination. Highway 1 is so beautiful and so much fun that it’s hard to decide which one to enjoy.

Highway 1 north of the Golden Gate Bridge is heaven for motorcycle riders. It really doesn’t get any better.

It’s tempting to stop at Stinson Beach, but I recommend you ride all the way to Point Reyes Station. There is a bar called Old Western Saloon that has your name on it. From there you’ll ride by Tomalas Bay which is a nursery for great white sharks—and a spectacular place to open your visor, open the throttle, and enjoy the freedom of the ride.

If you like oysters, stop at the Hog Island Oyster Company in Marshall. From there to Tomales is a stretch of rider heaven. Nothing makes me want to ride more than this stretch of road. Seriously. Twisty, undulating, smooth asphalt, no traffic, and as fast as you want. Eventually you’ll make your way to Jenner, Stewarts Point, Gualala, and Point Arena. If you must pass, be thoughtful of where you do it. The California Highway Patrol is pretty lenient but if they see you passing on a double yellow line you’re gonna get a ticket (not that I’ve ever done that).

At this point you will be at one with your bike and the ride and the coast. And you have another 3 hours of this spectacularness until you get to the town of Mendocino, which is your destination for the night. Mendocino Is the quaintest town in America, really.

DAY 2: Mendocino to Napa Valley

On this day you'll go back down the coast. Why go back down the way you just came up? Because it’s motorcycle heaven and everything is different when you go the other way.

Ride down to Jenner and turn left on Hwy 116 toward Guerneville. Actually, stop in Guerneville when you get there. It’s a beautiful and chill town on the Russian River that will make you appreciate the acceptance that exists in northern California to be whomever you want to be as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. It's populated by Vietnam vets, old hippies, new hippies, wine lovers, forest lovers, and generally happy people. Guerneville is a gem of NorCal.

Ride on across Sonoma County and into Napa Valley, Calistoga, St. Helena and down to American Canyon. Make sure you do some planning and pick a winery or two to enjoy. It’s a great slice of life. I’ve stayed in the town of Napa and in the town of American Canyon. Both are good.

DAY 3: Napa Valley to South Lake Tahoe

On day three, you'll cross the central valley as directly as possible on your way to the Sierra foothills and gold country. We stopped in Sutter Creek where California Gold was discovered in 1849. The Sutter Creek Provisions bar is a pleasure to hang out in for a bit. The entire town of Sutter Creek is a throwback to days gone by.

Then ride up “the hill” to Hams Station, have a cold drink, then continue on to South Lake Tahoe. We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel on this trip, which was lots of fun. On a different trip we stayed at The Landing which is pretty high-end and pretty great.

DAY 4: South Lake Tahoe to San Francisco

On this day you'll ride your motorcycle south to Markleeville, up and over Ebbets Pass. I’ve had the true gift of riding northern California for the past 20+ years, but until this trip I’d never done Ebbets pass. If you have the chance, do it. There were probably 20 riders at Merkleeville that morning (which is in the middle of nowhere)—because they all know how good the riding is. But check Caltrans if you're riding anytime in the spring or fall. Caltrans closes the pass for winter. Below is a pic from the lake at the top of the pass. This is an example of the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. From Ebbets pass you’ll ride down Highway 4 on an amazingly peaceful ride down to Angels Camp and back across the central valley to San Francisco.

Option: There is an alternate route that I’ve taken that’s worth your consideration. Day 1 is the same, riding straight up Highway 1 from San Francisco to Mendocino. But Day 2 turns inland about 10 miles south of the town of Mendocino onto Highway 128. Highway 128 is without a doubt one of the best motorcycle roads in California.

You’ll start by riding through Navarro River Redwood State Park. It's so rich with old growth that it’s at least ten degrees cooler and you might even want to take your sunglasses off because it’s so dark. Then you’ll get to the Anderson Valley wineries: Husch Vineyards, Twomey, Navarro Vineyard, Handley Cellars are just a few names of great ones. The area is known for Pinot Noir, but there are other great varietals as well. If you prefer beer, a little further down 128 you’ll get to the quaint town of Boonville where you can stop at the Anderson Valley Brewing Co. for a pint.

If you stop in the wineries or brewery don’t forget to spit after your tasting because the last section of Highway 128 before you get to Cloverdale is one of the most beautifully twisty, curvy, and undulating roads through the golden hills of northern California. Heaven on a motorcycle.

From Coverdale you’ll ride south on Highway 101 for a bit, but you’ll soon break off east onto Highway 128 again towards Jimtown and Calistoga. It’s one beautiful vineyard after the next as you ride down the heart of Napa Valley. Do your research and pick the wineries you want to stop at. This is the heart of California wine country.

From the town of Napa, you’ll pick up Day 3 for a ride across the central valley to Sutter Creek, CA.